Candlelight: A moment of clarity — no apology

The attention Candlelight and I have received in the local and national press, along with the intentional and sometimes slanderous misrepresentations that followed, have inspired me to put together a short statement of intention and purpose regarding my engagements with “political” and social issues.

The earlier “noise” began when the country began to see LGBTQ+ “add the words” campaigns and anti-discrimination ordinances come to the forefront of local and national governance. Our (my) stand against these one-sided pushes led to a sweeping assault against Candlelight — inspired by my public stand. Following, Candlelight became the first church in the country to discontinue our Boy Scouts of America Troop — as the result of their admission of same-sex attracted participants and leaders into their ranks. Herein I (we) started hearing the false narratives suggesting that we are homophobic and carry hatred toward those in the LGBTQ+ community. This is simply untrue.

My position has never been one of hatred toward persons (whoever they may be or whatever they may do) but of genuine biblical hatred of those things that harm. The list would include abortion, sex-trafficking, the porn industry, the rampant abuse of drugs and alcohol, murder, rape, incest, the breakdown of the family through abuse, infidelity, divorce, poverty, political and domestic corruption, etc. There is too much to list! We are not a cosmic accident. We are a people who have been created by a just and loving God — for His glory.

The work of a pastor reaches beyond the pulpit and walls of a church. Therefore, my continuing goal has been to speak to the issues of our day — with authority — without discrimination and/or compromise. Indeed, I do take a literal approach to Bible teaching and discipleship of the saints, but, that involves an active stewardship of our social and community fabric. I believe the onus is upon us when we believe the Bible is true and that all men and women will one day answer to the Lord. In fact, I see making the truth known is an act of love. Silence is sin when we see a need and leave it unaddressed.

It should be understood that I would prefer to completely disconnect from the political environments of our republic. However, I cannot ignore public/social, moral and/or ecclesiastical responsibilities when called upon. To do so would be to “play the fool” and withhold love for my fellow man. Those who actually care about others must “warn the unruly” and proclaim to them the good news of the hope we have in Jesus.

When the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world — and when panic and fear manifested in many, I felt it necessary to allow for worship, gatherings, and support for those who sought the comfort available to them in the Church. This garnered disdain for our church and all other churches who desired to serve and remain open to seekers of support — even when doing so required standing against overreaching entities who disagreed.

For this I am unashamed. Furthermore, we allowed for worship without requiring the participants to “mask up” or otherwise “social distance.” This too brought us greater criticisms and accusatory/threatening attention. (We did install clinical level “air scrubbers,” provided hand sanitizer, etc. in order to do what we could to prevent any spread. To date we have not had any widespread outbreak.)

Several months later I contracted COVID myself and spent a lengthy period in the ICU at our local hospital — followed by months of continuing recovery. (Of interest is that I was not infected at church but rather in an otherwise semi-public venue where I was serving those who are/were not members of the church I serve.) For this part of the journey Candlelight, my staff, my wife, my family, and I received death threats, malicious threats against the church — coupled together with grotesque and filthy comments to and about all of us. And still, we remain a loving group desiring only to serve.

The recent mischaracterizations include the accusation of our being racist and that we are a “rightwing militia church.” Both are simply laughable! Many of our members carry — as do most people here in Idaho — and my staff is a family of multi-ethnic people. Go figure!

Candlelight, and I as pastor, desire to serve our community — in truth. We love our neighbors — all of them. I desire to see all those around us benefitted by what we offer: hope, grace, ministry, and genuine peace. We are not homophobic, and hate no one — we do hate what harms. We are not a militia — but do believe in the First and Second amendments and stand with and for the freedom and safety they inspire. We do believe we were intentionally created and are not a “cosmic accident.” Therefore, without hesitation we tell the truth to all, represent the truth to all, and without discrimination desire what is best for all. We hold to a solid biblical view of marriage — between one man and one woman. We hate divorce but love and desire to serve those who have suffered its pains — without condemnation. We believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all — yes — even the unborn.

I will, for as long as the Lord allows, pastor Candlelight with grace and truth. I will not relent from telling the truth, standing for the truth, or contend for the truth — so help me God.

Those having read the news, heard reports or formed opinions … You need only come, ask or see for yourselves who I am — and who we are. Candlelight is not a political entity — we are a concerned people who love our neighbors as required. I am and we are willing and able to serve you, your families, our community, in whatever way required.

See you Sunday!

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Paul D. Van Noy, pastor, at Candlelight Christian Fellowship in Coeur d’Alene.